Schlotterbeck

Allphin.

Schlotterbeck

Allphin

Schlotterbeck

Allphin

Schlotterbeck

aja

and Life Saving of New York City. I rocall the old program of
passing numerous persons in the beginncrs and swimmers test, but this
new work you are talking about scoms to be much more complete. Go
ahead and tell us more of the new set upe

Out of this vast amount of informational material the Red Cross
has developed six courses of training for all grades of aquatic
skill «= beginners swimmers course, iytermediate swimmers coursd,
swimmers course, advanced swimmers course, and junior and senior ©
life saving and wator safety courses. In this series of courses
every man, woman, boy or girl will find something suited to his or
her ability and skill that will more adequately train them in cop-
ing with oxperiences arising out of thoir aquatic sactivitye

But, Mre Schlotterbeck, why 211 of this about an activity in
which there are only about 7,500 fatalitics a year?

That is true, Mr, Allphin, there are only about 7,500 drownings
ao year. You might be interested to mow that since 1914 there has
been an almost steady decline in the accidental drowning rate fron
10,000 per yoar to the figure we montionede This has come about in
spite of the tremendous increase in swimming, boating, fishing and
ice slmting as recreational pastimes by the people of Americae. This
remarkable record has been made possible only thru the constant
efforts of all organizations interested in this field, such as the
Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YM. and Y.W.C.As, and all
educatiénal institutions. It has been ostimated that 88 million
people take part in some form of aquatic sport cach yeare If we
arc to continue this fine record and keep down the loss of life and
accompanying heartache and financial loss, we must continuc to cdu-
cate these 88 million in how to safely participate in this activitye.
Education is a slow process and one in which there can be no let up |
if desired ends are to be achievede A new slogan of the Red Cross
is "Health, Safety and Happiness in Aquatics thru knowledge and
skill", Thru its six educational courses the Red Cross hopes to
bring to the 88 million people participating in aquatics the know-
ledge and skill necessary to attain health, safety and happinesse

I am attracted by your statement about "knowledge and skill in
aquatics". What do you mean by knowledge and skill nocessary for.
safety in swimming?

The knowledge nocessary for safcty in bathing consists largely in
knowing when, whero, and how much to swime Skill for safety is made
up of abilities to meet common hazardous conditions which beset the
swimmer from time to time. This is the sum and substance of person
al safety in the wator. |

Where would you consider to be the safest place for persons to
swim?

It can be pointed out that persons should always swim under the
watchful eye of a trained and experienced life guard and at places
whore activity is suporvised. This fact is definitely brought out